Testimony begins in Willmar teen's murder trial

WILLMAR, Minn. - Testimony began Friday morning in the first-degree murder trial of a Willmar teen charged with killing an elderly Willmar woman last summer.

Attorneys also gave opening statements in the trial of Brok Junkermeier, 19, who is accused of killing Lila Warwick, 79, on July 29.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank outlined the evidence he would present to the jury. It will include video of Junkermeier’s interview with law enforcement officers Aug. 1, as well as testimony from law enforcement, family and friends.

Kent Marshall, a state public defender, said in his opening statement that it was clear Junkermeier had caused Warwick’s death, but that didn’t mean he was guilty of the charges. He asked jurors to keep an open mind as the trial progressed.

Family members testified about the kind of person Warwick was, and friends testified about having plans to see her the day she died. When they couldn’t find her, they contacted authorities.

Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Cpl. Jason Keith testified that he was one of the first deputies to arrive at Warwick’s home. Deputies followed a trail of blood drops into the house, Keith said.

Keith went into the home’s basement, where he found Warwick’s body on the floor.